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Sunday, 5 August 2012

Why are weekends so stressful?

Since I'm off work for the summer holidays I've been experiencing what it's like to be a stay at home mum to my two boys. For the most part I've enjoyed spending time with them, although I have to say it's more stressful than being at work, it's infinitely more meaningful and feels like time well spent. I've also noticed an improvement (for the most part) in their behaviour as they've so obviously thrived in a situation where they know where they are going to be from one day to the next. I've experienced a few "brain freeze" days but I've tried to keep us all busy by taking them for lots of days out, play dates and activities such as painting and gardening at home. The TV has hardly been on at all, tempting as it has been.

I look forwards to the weekend though, as in my mind it's a time when we can really spend time as a family, the four of us. Why is it then, that weekends seem more stressful than week days? Tonight it's Sunday and I feel really irritable, stressed and annoyed. I feel that I have had no respite at all, have generally shouted my way through the day and by the time they are both in bed it feels like I've just had a day at a really draining job interview or something. Maybe it's expectation, I'm still reverting back to my teenage days when the weekend meant fun fun fun and going out time.

Speaking of teenage years, I have a question to ask. When I was a teenager I was obsessed with indie music. I collected albums like they were prize jewels and had an amazing music general knowledge. One of my favourite bands was Belle and Sebastian. I paid good money to go and see them many times, I thought they were kooky, cool and a bit kitsch. I put one of their albums on the other day, listened to it, and came to the conclusion that it was complete and utter drivel. Were they terrible to begin with or am I just getting....well, old!?

12 comments:

I totally agree!!I have had a stressful day, have argued with the husband, had to do some sulking and done more nappy changes, feeding, playing etc than the other half, yet have been accused of being a part time parent because I wanted to get some jobs done whilst there was 2 of us around!!I'm much more calmer during the week when I'm "in charge" and have a routine - even if we're at different places / play dates etc every morning - I still get things done, but am in a calmer routine!!

I agree with bakingmadmummy that even though the week is stressful I am in charge and its my routine and rules. When my husband is home we tend to argue more aobut what to do with the children as he is a lot less strict than me and doesn't appreicate that my routines really work! I am so tired tonight I could cry and I haven't even done anything much!!

Yes, we argue far more at weekends, it sometimes feels that we are joined at the hip! I also hassle him to do jobs around the house (blue jobs) that he doesn't want to do so that creates friction! ARGGHHHHHHHH.

Yes, I think we are all singing from the same hymn sheet here...it's the addition of husband that seems to change the dynamic and not always for the better...my hubby is a great help and does let me get a break at the weekend but I find my Sat and Sun more less organised and more liable to hijack through last minute change of plans etc. Also, don't forget, the kids will take advantage of both parents being there - sometimes playing you off each other. Hope you have a good week this week...deep breaths! Avril x

I think you are right Avril, it's the lack of routine that makes the difference. Also we laze around more which I think the children find frustrating and invites them to act up. Maybe we need to be a bit more "up and at 'em"?!

Belle and Sebastion brought back memories of the children's series from the 60s dubbed in English from the original (who knows what language?) and always a bit out of synch. Maybe that's why the band chose the name id it was quirky music? Sorry I was never into Indie.